Abstract

Purpose. The right hemicolectomy may be conducted through laparoscopic or laparotomic surgery, transverse or midline incisions. The transverse laparotomy offers some advantages compared to the midline laparotomy and laparoscopy. A literature review was performed to evaluate the possible advantages of the transverse incision versus midline incision or laparoscopic right hemicolectomy. Methods. A systematic research was performed in Medline, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, CINAHL, BioMed Central, and the Science Citation Index. Results. Laparotomic right hemicolectomy with transverse incision is preferable to laparotomic hemicolectomy with midline incision. A transverse incision offers a lessened postoperative pain following physical activity, a lessened need to administer analgesic therapy during the post-operative time, better aesthetic results, and a better post-operative pulmonary function. Open surgery with transverse or midline incision ensured a shorter operative time, lower costs and a greater length of the incision compared to the laparoscopic. However, there are no differences in the oncological outcomes. Conclusions. It was not possible to identify significant differences between the open right hemicolectomy with transverse incision versus the open right hemicolectomy with midline incision or laparoscopic hemicolectomy.

1. Introduction

The right hemicolectomy may be conducted through laparotomic or laparoscopic (LRH) surgery, transverse or midline incisions. The open right hemicolectomy may be performed through midline incision (ORHM) or transverse/oblique incision (ORHT). According to a number of surgeons, the transverse laparotomy offers some advantages compared to the midline laparotomy, such as a less postoperative pain, a smaller alteration of the respiratory function, and better aesthetic results. Furthermore, a lower incidence of incisional hernia has been observed after an ORHT incision or LRH than after an ORHM [1–6]. For these reasons, some surgeons considered the ORHT transverse laparotomic a valid alternative to LRH in the right hemicolectomy. The objective of this systematic review is to evaluate the possible advantages of the midline or transverse incision in the right hemicolectomy for the colon cancer.

2. Methods

This systematic review was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) [7] statement Eligibility criteria provided parameters of exclusion and inclusion.

2.1. Eligibility Criteria

2.1.1. Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria

Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) and nonrandomized clinical studies (non-RCSs) which compared ORHT (open right hemicolectomy with transverse incision) versus LRH (laparoscopic right hemicolectomy), TLRH (totally laparoscopic right hemicolectomy), and/or ORHM (vertical or midline incision open right hemicolectomy), enrolling adult patients, irrespective of gender and comorbidities, were considered. No language or publication status restrictions were imposed. Studies in which the outcomes of interest were not reported or impossible to be extrapolated from the published results were excluded.

2.1.2. Information Sources and Search

A systematic search was performed in Medline, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, CINAHL, BioMed Central, and the Science Citation Index for potentially relevant studies comparing laparoscopic-assisted versus vertical or open right hemicolectomy with transverse-incision for right-sided colon cancer. Search was restricted to studies published between January 1990 and December 2012. The literature search was carried out using the following medical subject headings (MeSH) and free text words: right (All Fields) AND (“colectomy” (MeSH Terms) OR “colectomy” (All Fields)) AND incision (All Fields) AND laparoscopy (All Fields). A secondary search was conducted reviewing unpublished literature databases including GreyNet, SIGLE, Current Controlled Trials, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. The “related articles” tool available in PubMed was used to expand the research. To minimize retrieval bias, we carried out a manual search in Google Scholar database and in 7 high-impact journals, chosen on the basis of the frequency of articles found and experts’ opinion from 2010 to 2012: Diseases of the Colon & Rectum, Colorectal Disease, Archives of Surgery, British Journal of Surgery, Journal of American College of Surgery, Techniques in Coloproctology, and International Journal of Colorectal Disease.

Data Collection Process. A data extraction sheet was developed, based on the Cochrane Consumers and Communication Review Group’s data extraction template [8]. Two authors (Roberto Cirocchi, Veronica Grassi) extracted independently the data from the included studies including patients’ demographics, inclusion and exclusion criteria, type of intervention, and outcomes of interest. These data were checked by a third author (Francesca Gubbiotti).

2.3. Statistical Analysis

On the basis of the relevant heterogeneity founded in the included studies, we consider impossible to conduct a meaningful meta-analysis of data. Consequently, we performed a descriptive, qualitative, and quantitative analysis of the outcomes of interest by summarizing retrieved data for each treatment in form of unweighted mean and range of values (min–max). Then, we assessed the number of studies that for each endpoint showed a statistical difference between the analyzed procedures ().

2.3.1. Assessment of Methodological Quality of the Included Studies

The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the revised and modified grading system of the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network [9].

2.3.2. Types of Outcome Measures

The analyzed outcomes were divided into perioperative: operative time, length of specimen, length of incision, number of lymph nodes collected, tumor size, blood loss, and transfusions; postoperative: morbidity, complications and length of hospital stay, pain, analgesia, microscopic or macroscopic infiltration of the resection margin, and reoperation rate and 30-day postoperative mortality rate.

3. Results

129 studies were identified by this systematic literature review; 98 studies were excluded after checking of the abstracts as they were not relevant (Figure 1). 24 further studies were excluded after evaluation of the full text in detail [5, 10–32]. Seven studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria [33–39].

We developed a data grid compiling the characteristics of the right hemicolectomies: author, publication year, nationality of the study, period of the study, number of patients, age, sex, ASA, TNM, type of approach adopted for the right hemicolectomy (transverse or midline laparotomy, video assisted laparoscopy, and total or hand assisted laparoscopy), number of patients per approach, exclusion and inclusion criteria, type of resection, and type of anastomosis performed (Table 1).

Table 1: Characteristics of the included studies.

3.2. Results of Methodological Quality Assessment

The methodological quality assessment performed according to the modified grading system of the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) [9] proved to be of fair quality for 5 of the comparative studies included. Furthermore, the study by Tanis et al. and the one by Brown et al. turned out to be both of good quality (overall mean score 13 points) (Table 2).

Table 2: Evaluation of methodological quality of the included studies.

3.3. Risk of Bias in Included Studies

According to the 20 items from the revised and modified SING checklist, some methodological limits were exposed (Table 2) [9]. In particular, five studies [33, 34, 36, 38, 39] did not indicate where the authors were on the learning curve for the reported procedure (item 6). In four studies [33, 35, 37, 38] surgical technique was not standardized (item 9). None of the included studies stated the participation rate defined as the number of participants divided by the number of eligible patients (item 15). Finally, Stipa et al. and Lohsiriwat et al. [33, 36] did not perform the analysis by intention to treat (item 20). Between the included studies there was imbalance in the baseline characteristics of the participants (gender, age at surgery, BMI, pathology, TNM stage, comorbidity, ASA classification, disease location, and previous abdominal surgery) and there were differences between the kinds of compared accesses (Table 2). With regard to some outcomes, it was not possible to establish comparisons as different units of measurements were used. Some outcomes were not reported in all studies. The follow-up period for certain outcomes was not reported in some studies. In the majority of the studies the postoperative mortality is assessed at 30 days from the operation except in Stipa and Lindgren’s studies where the postoperative mortality was not specified [33, 34]. The studies that reported the incisional hernia indicated different follow-up periods; for instance, Veenhof et al. indicated a follow-up period of 18 months in the LRH group and of 20 months in the open group [38]. As for the overall postoperative morbidity only Veenhof and Tanis’ studies specified that the follow-up period was of 30 days [38, 39].

Overall, since some outcomes have been evaluated in different ways, the results cannot be statistically compared. Furthermore because of the type of studies included (2 RCTs and 5 non-RCTs) the risk of bias assessed was mild-moderate.

3.4. Effects of Interventions

Only in Veenhof and Tanis’ studies it was specified that the follow-up period for postoperative morbility was of thirty days [38, 39]. Five studies reported the wound infections [33, 34, 36–38]; only Veenhof and Tanis’ studies evaluated incisional hernia (Table 3).

ORHT versus ORHM. Overall post-operative morbidity that was bigger in the ORHM group (41% versus 20%) [39]. Stipa et al. reported a greater number of wound infections in the ORHM group [33]. In Tanis’ study a median followup of 44 months was performed; a higher incision of incisional hernia was observed in the ORHM group compared to the ORHT group [39].

ORH versus LRH. Tan et al. reported a bigger number of post-operative complications in the LRH group but notstatistically significant [37].

ORHM versus LRH. Tanis et al. reported a bigger number of post-operative complications in the ORHM group compared to the LRH group (41% versus 20%) [39]. Lohsiriwat’s study reported a higher number of wound infections in the ORHT group [36].

3.6. Operative Time

All the included studies reported this outcome, but data were not comparable as different units of measurements were used (Table 4).

ORHM versus ORHT. Stipa and Tanis’ studies indicated a slightly longer operative time in the ORHM group but not in a statistically significant manner [33, 39], while Brown’s study reported a greater duration in the ORTH group [35]. There were not statistically significant differences between the two groups.

ORH versus LRH. Operative time was shorter in the ORH compared to LRH group [37].

ORHM versus LRH. In Tanis’s study a less operative time in the ORHM group was reported; this difference was statistically significant [39].

ORHT versus LRH. In Lohsiriwat’s study a statistically significant shorter operative time was observed in the ORHT group [36].

ORHT versus TLRH. The operative time was shorter in the ORHT group () [38].

3.7. Length of Specimen and Tumor Size

Only two studies [38, 39] reported the length of the specimen. Different units of measurements were used (Table 5).

ORHT versus ORHM. The length of the specimen was bigger in the ORHM group compared with the ORHT and Assisted-Lap groups [39].

ORHT versus TLRH. In Veenhof’s study the length of the specimen was significantly greater in the laparoscopic group, but not statistically significant. The neoplasia was bigger in the ORHT group than in the Total-Lap group () [38].

ORHT versus LRH. The length of the specimen was greater in the ORHT group but in a nonstatistically significant manner [36, 39].

ORHM versus LRH. In Tanis’s study the length of the specimen was significantly greater in the ORHM compared with the Assisted-Lap group [39].

ORH versus LRH. Both the length and the diameter of the neoplasia were bigger in the open group compared with the Assisted-Lap group, but these differences were not statistically significant [37].

3.8. Number of Harvested Lymph Nodes

It was not possible to compare this outcome, as different units of measurement were used (Table 5).

ORHT versus ORHM. Brown reported a higher, but not statistically significant, number of removed lymph nodes in the ORTH group compared with the ORHM group [35].

ORH versus LRH. In Tan’s study the number of harvested lymph nodes (HL) was bigger in the LRH group compared with the open group but nonstatistically significant.

ORHM versus LRH. Tanis’s study reported a bigger number of HL in the Assisted-Lap group compared with the ORHM group () [39].

ORHT versus LRH. Tanis and Lohsiriwat’s studies reported a bigger number of removed lymph nodes in the Assisted-Lap group compared with the ORHT group, but the outcome was not statistically relevant [36, 39].

ORHT versus TLRH. In Veenhof’s study the number of removed lymph nodes was bigger in the Total-Lap group compared with the ORHT group () [38].

3.9. Intraoperative Blood Loss and Transfusion

Only Lohsiriwat et al. and Veenhof et al. reported the intraoperative blood loss [36, 38]. Unfortunately, it was not possible to compare this outcome as different units of measurement were used: the mean ± SD [36] and the median and interquartile range [38]. Only two studies [37, 38] (Veenhof and Tan) reported the number of transfusions performed.

ORH versus LRH. In Tan’s study the number of patients having received a blood transfusion peri- and postoperatively was bigger in the open group (median and transverse incision) (8/40) than in the Assisted-Lap (20% versus 14%), but this difference was not statistically significant () [37].

ORHT versus TLRH. In Veenhof’s study the intra-operative blood loss was greater in the ORHT group compared to the Total-Lap group (130 mL versus 60 mL (median interquartile range)); this difference was statistically relevant () [38]. As regards the transfusion there were no statistically significant differences between the two groups; indeed, no patient required a blood transfusion as a direct consequence of the operation [38].

3.10. Postoperative Pain and Postoperative Analgesia

Only two studies [33, 34] referred to the intensity of pain. Lindgren et al. evaluated the pain intensity both after rest and after physical activity (standing up beside the bed, coughing, moving around, etc.) using the pain core (VAS) scale [34]. Stipa et al. classified the intensity of the post-operative pain on the basis of the quantity of analgesics required by the patient [33]. Five studies reported the type and length of the post-operative analgesic therapy [34–37, 39]. However, data were not comparable because different units of measurement were used, the post-operative pain was evaluated according to different parameters, and analgesic therapy administered varied between the studies (Table 6).

Table 6: Postoperative pain and analgesia.

ORHT versus ORHM. The intensity of pain after physical activity, in the first three days following the operation, was more severe in the ORHM group [34]. In Stipa’s study a higher percentage of patients reported post-operative pain of medium-moderate grade in the ORHM group compared with the ORHT group; similarly, a higher percentage of patients reported post-operative pain of moderate-severe grade in the ORHT group compared with the ORHM group [33]. In Brown’s study the median total dose of morphine used in the ORHT group was greater [35]. Instead in Lindgren’s study, a bigger dose of analgesics was administered to the ORHM [34].

ORH versus LRH. Tan et al. did not report significant differences between the two groups as for the length of the parenteral analgesic therapy (2 days) [37].

ORHM versus LRH. Tanis et al. reported a greater length of the analgesic therapy 3 days after ORHM compared with the LRH group [39].

ORHT versus LRH. The length of the discontinued analgesic therapy administered through parental route that was bigger in the ORHT group than in the Assisted-Lap group [36].

No statistically significant differences were reported between the four types of treatment.

3.12. Length of Incision

Four studies [34–37] reported the length of the incision. In Lohsiriwat’s study it was not specified whether the length of the incision, in the Assisted-Lap group, was the length of the incision for the extraction of the specimen or the addition of the length of the incisions [36]. On the contrary, in Tan’s study the length of the incision mentioned for the laparoscopic group was the incision to extract the specimen and it did not include the cumulative length of all the trocar incisions [37]. It was not possible to compare this outcome as the units of measurements used in the included studies were different (Table 7).

Table 7: Length of incision cm.

ORHM versus ORHT. In Brown’s study the length of the incision was minor in the ORTH group compared to the ORHM group, statistically significant. [35].

ORH versus LRH. Tan et al. reported a length of the incision smaller in the Assisted-Lap group compared to the ORH group either with transverse incision or with median incision () [37].

ORHT versus LR. In Lohsiriwat’s study the length media of the incision was bigger in the ORTH group compared with the Assisted-Lap group in a statistically significant manner () [36].

3.13. Time to First Bowel Movement

Veenhof’s study was the only one that did not report the recovery time after the first bowel movement [38]. However, it was not possible to compare this outcome as different units of measurement were used in the included studies (Table 8).

Table 8: Time to first bowel movement (Bowel), time to resumption of normal diet (Diet), and time to defecation (Def) (days).

ORHM versus ORHT. The first bowel movement was slightly faster in the ORTH group [34, 35].

ORHM versus LRH. A statistically significant faster resumption of the bowel movement in the Assisted-Lap group was reported [39].

ORHT versus LRH. In Lohsiriwat’s study a faster resumption of the bowel movement in the Assisted-Lap group was reported [36].

3.14. Time to Resumption of Normal Diet

Brown’s study reported both the time for resumption of a liquid diet and the time required for resuming the solid diet [35]. However, it was not possible to compare this outcome as different units of measurements were used in the included studies (Table 8).

ORHM versus ORHT. Brown’s study reported a faster time, nonstatistically significant, to resumption of liquid diet in the ORHT group [35]. The study of Lindgren reported a faster time to resumption of normal diet in the ORHT group, nonstatistically significant [34].

ORHT versus LRH. In Lohsiriwat’s study the Assisted-lap group showed a shorter time to resumption of normal diet compared to the ORHT group [36].

3.15. Time to Defecation

It was not possible to compare this outcome as the included studies used different units of measurement [33, 34, 36] (Table 8).

ORHM versus ORHT. In Stipa’s study the time to defecation in the first four days from the operation was observed in a higher percentage of patients in the ORHT group compared with the ORHM group (53% versus 46%), not statistically significant [33].

ORHT versus LRH. time to defecation was shorter in the Assisted-lap group () [36].

3.16. Cost

Only Veenhof et al. reported the costs of the operation that were significantly bigger in the Assisted-lap group compared to the ORHT group (7221€ versus 6033€; ) [38].

3.17. Pulmonary Function

Only Lindgren study reported this outcome and compared between the ORHT and the ORHM groups [34]. The oxygen saturation in the first day after the operation was similar in the two groups ORHM 95, 1 ± 0.4 versus ORHT 95, 1 ± 0.8. In both groups a fall in the FEV1 (forced expiratory volume I second) was observed after the operation; this fall was higher and longer in the ORHM group compared to the ORHT (). With regard to the CV (vital capacity), its fall was higher and longer in the ORHM group versus the ORHT () [34].

3.18. Reoperation

In Lohsiriwat and Tanis’ studies it was specified that the reoperation was carried out within 30 days from the operation [36, 39].

ORHM versus ORHT. In Tanis’ study a greater number of patients in the ORHM group required a reoperation within 30 days because of serious complications: 1 band dehiscence; 2 anastomic leaks; 1 intestinal perforation (4/22 versus 0/23) [39].

ORH versus LRH. No differences between the two groups and no reoperations were reported [37].

ORHT versus TLR. In Veenhof’s study 2 patients of the Total-Lap group had to undergo a reoperation due to an anastomotic leak in one case and a prolonged ileum in the other case [38].

3.19. Postoperative Mortality

In all studies the post-operative mortality at 30 days was mentioned except for the studies of Stipa and Lindgren that show the post-operative mortality without specifying which one was evaluated [33, 34] (Table 9). As regards this outcome no statistically significant difference between the four different surgical approaches was detectable.

Table 9: Post-operative mortality ( patients (%)).

4. Discussion

Presently it is controversial whether the transverse incision offers advantages compared with the median incision and the laparoscopy. Langer’s line of cleavage crosses the skin of the anterior abdominal wall in a transverse direction. An incision parallel to these lines will therefore cause the least structural and cosmetic damage. A vertical incision therefore divides the fascial fibers of the anterior abdominal wall, that lie in a transverse direction, and suture closure of such vertical wound places the suture material between the fibers. Contraction of the abdominal wall causes laterally directed tension on the closure line and might cause the suture material to cut through by separation of the transversely orientated fibers [40, 41]. From our literature review it was not possible to prove that the right hemicolectomy with transverse incision laparotomy presents significant advantages when compared to the open right hemicolectomy with midline incision or with the laparoscopic right hemicolectomy; this is due to the small number of studies and the high heterogeneity of the data reported. A few comparative studies have elaborated outcomes that show statistically significant differences, such as operative time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative pain, post-operative analgesia, length of the incision, time to first bowel movement, costs, and pulmonary function. On the contrary, no statistically significant differences were found between the three groups with regard to postoperative morbidity, occurrence of incisional hernia, wound infection, length of post-operative hospital stay, length of the specimen, number of harvested lymph nodes, tumor size, transfusions, infiltration of the resection margins, time to defecation and time to flatus, time to resumption of normal diet, reoperations, post-operative mortality. Concerning the comparison between the open surgery and the laparoscopic surgery, statistically significant differences were observed with regard to the operative time (which was shorter in the open surgery [37]) and to the length of the incision (which was shorter in the laparoscopic surgery [37]). The advantages of the ORHT compared with the ORHM consist in a less post-operative pain after physical activity, a diminished need to administer analgesic therapy during the post-operative time [34], a shortened length of the incision [35], and a better post-operative pulmonary function [34]. Comparing the laparoscopic right hemicolectomy to the open hemicolectomy with transverse incision, the advantages of the laparoscopy are a shortened length of the incision [36] and a decreased blood loss [38]. With respect to the open right hemicolectomy with transverse incision, its advantages are a shorter operating time [36] and a lower cost [38]. Lastly, when comparing the laparoscopic right hemicolectomy to the open right hemicolectomy with median incision, the laparoscopy offers the advantage of a quicker recovery of peristalsis [39] while the open right hemicolectomy with median incision ensures a less operative time [39]. From our review of the literature it is shown that the ORHT is preferable to the ORHM as it offers a lessened post-operative pain following physical activity, a lessened need to administer analgesic therapy during the post-operative time, better aesthetic results, and a better post-operative pulmonary function; however, there are no differences about the oncologic outcomes; these data are confirmed by other studies in the literature. Indeed, the Cochrane review of Brown and Goodfellow [42], comparing the transverse incision with the midline incision in the upper and lower abdominal surgery, demonstrates that the transverse and oblique incisions have a weaker impact on the pulmonary function, especially in the early post-operative days, while a reduced tendency to dehiscence and infection of the surgical wound and to the appearance of the incisional hernia is observed; furthermore, the transverse incision appears to be associated with less pain, although the data concerning this outcome are rather scarce and unclear. The authors of this review conclude that the differences in the outcomes between the two types of incisions are minimal, so the choice depends on the surgeon’s preference. The midline incision is preferable in emergency as it ensures a more rapid access to the abdominal cavity in patients who have a high risk of relaparotomy or in those where it is expected the packaging of an anastomosis. The transverse incision may be preferred in obese patients or in patients with reduced pulmonary function [42]. In his review, Grantcharov and Rosenberg reached similar conclusions, stating that the transverse incision seems preferable to the median on the basis of anatomical and physiological principles ensuring less complications in the early post-operative period and a reduced incidence of hernia of incision [1] In a similar manner, our review shows that only in some studies a few statistically significant differences emerge in terms of outcomes; these differences are not such as to determine a clear preference between the two types of incision. With regard to the comparison between laparoscopic and open access, the open access offers the advantage of a lower operative time in spite of a greater length of the incision; also in this case, there are no differences in some of the outcomes such as mortality or morbidity for which it is not possible to state the superiority of one of the two accesses. These data are confirmed by the literature that does not show significant differences about the oncologic outcome [18, 20, 37, 43, 44]. Some studies suggest that laparoscopy has advantages compared to open surgery in terms of less post-operative hospital stay, quicker recovery of peristalsis, less post-operative pain [18–20], lower incidence of surgical infections [44], best aesthetic results compared to higher cost [37]. As regards the comparison between open access with transverse incision and the laparoscopic access, our review found that the benefits of open access with transverse incision are represented by lower operative time and lower costs while the benefits of laparoscopy are the shorter length of incision and less blood loss. Consequently, currently the choice of one of these accesses is entrusted by the experience and personal preference of the surgeon, as in the literature there are no data showing any real benefits of the ORHT compared to the ORHM or LRH.

5. Conclusion

Our study compares the open right hemicolectomy with transverse incision with the midline incision and laparoscopic hemicolectomy; the studies chosen were a mixed bag ranging from small RCT to retrospective studies creating a rather heterogeneous sample. Based on their data, there were no real significant differences. Currently, in the setting of minimally invasive surgery (robotic, laparoscopy, and SILS), the advantages of a transverse skin crease laparotomy are not clear. This approach is not easy and is often limited by colon anatomy, BMI, and size of lesion. Why would anyone choose this approach over conventional laparoscopy which provides better visualization and potentially less trauma to the lesion. Currently the choice of the surgical access is up to the surgeon, on the basis of his experience and preference as well as of the patient’s characteristics. With a view to highlighting the most significant differences among the three groups, high-powered randomized clinical trials would be required.

Conflict of Interests

The authors declare that there is no conflict of interests regarding the publication of this paper.

Acknowledgment

The authors are the only ones responsible for the content and writing of the paper.